About Baby Care

Archive for the ‘Play and Learn’ Category

The influence of television on children has been the subject of much discussion over the years, and debate still rages over its potential to cause anything from poor behavior to obesity in children. The fact remains that quality television programmes, in moderation, can help support learning and development and provide fantastic entertainment for children. Many of us think back fondly to much-loved television programmes and characters from our childhood, and your children will also treasure their favorites well into adulthood.

Use television for other activities
Watching television should never just be an activity in itself. Topics and activities from programmes can be used as “springboards” for other activities – if your child has shown an interest in something he has watched, try and extend that activity or topic into something that you can do together. Many programmes offer good ideas for simple yet effective “make and do” projects, from painting to cooking – try to turn a blind eye to the “mess” factor, and try these out at home. Children are often thrilled if they can manage to make something they’ve seen made on television, and it doesn’t have to be perfect.

Don’t use television as a fall back
It’s important not to fall back on television when you’re too tired to do anything active or creative with him, or as a “babysitter” for him when you have other things to be getting on with such as work or household chores. Try where you can to watch programmes together, and take the time to explain things to him as you watch. This helps make watching television less passive and more of an interactive experience for your child.

How much television should my child be allowed to watch?
Experts generally tend to agree that television is not suitable at all for small babies. Up to the age of two, it’s recommended that you limit your child’s television watching to short periods at a time – 10-15 minute chunks are ideal. Between the ages of 2 and 3 the general recommendation is for no more than 1 hour a day.

What should I let my child watch?
Many parents set limits on television, either by restricting the choice of programmes to one or two “approved” programmes a day, or setting a limit on the amount of time their children spend watching television, or limiting viewing to a certain time of day. The key is really to make sure that they are watching programming which is good quality. This could be by promoting some kind of constructive activity – getting them up and about dancing or showing them how to make something simple – or through an educational focus, such as by exposing them to a different culture, or getting them involved in a story which helps develop their imagination and their concentration skills.

Monitor what your child watches
Try to watch programmes yourself for the first time to check if you think they are suitable. Some programming, even if ostensibly aimed at children, is poor quality and contains unsuitable subject matter for young children, and commercial channels often carry advertisements for unhealthy food or products which you may not want to expose your children to. If you decide your child is allowed to watch a programme, turn the programme off when it has finished, rather than letting your child watch the television mindlessly for hours.

Television pace
There has been extensive research into the pace of what children see on television and how they absorb it. Slower-paced television is much better for children especially if it is in the evening and they need winding down for bed. Fast action, changing colours and loud music etc will make your child zone out rather than engage with what he is watching.

Watch television with your child
A recent study found that children whose parents watched television with them and engaged them in conversation about what they watched scored significantly higher in tests than those children who watched television mindlessly on their own. Of course there will be times when you are exhausted or need to put the shopping away when you are grateful for the television, but if you can make it more of a social, family event rather than a solitary activity, your child will benefit.